Movie Magic with Juadah Lagenda Seniman

 

The Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre welcomes diners to break their fast this Ramadan month with a culinary journey that recalls the charm and nostalgia of classic films and music from the golden era of Malaysian cinema that featured legendary actor and film-maker, P Ramlee.

 

An installation at the foyer close to the 
entrance of Dine@Eight Restaurant

Dubbed, Juadah Lagenda Seniman, this buffet will be served at Dine@Eight Restaurant in a sumptuous spread of traditional and contemporary dishes, creatively presented through food stations inspired by iconic movies from a bygone era.

 

I am at the hotel for a media preview and at the foyer close to the entrance of Dine@Eight, the mood was set by a small retro-themed installation that featured nostalgic treasures and classic film memorabilia.

 

Enveloped by P Ramlee’s familiar dulcet vocals in a playlist of nostalgic music, I was instantly transported to a bygone era of Black & White vintage movies with simple storylines, comedic scenarios and romantic charm, reminiscent of the talented pair of P Ramlee and Saloma. 

 

Follow the directions of this
signpost to reach the food stations

To create this nostalgic setting, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre partnered with Galleri Seni Johor, a gallery in KOMTAR JBCC Mall that showcases a vast collection of valuable collectibles.

 

This collaboration for Ramadan presents diners with an immersive visual experience with dining in a charming and captivating retro-themed ambiance that complements the menu of familiar favourites for the breaking-of-fast.

 

Reading the signposts set up at the entrance, I was amused to see Malaysia’s rich cinematic and culinary heritage being brought to life at Dine@Eight in food stations, creatively named after popular P Ramlee movies like, Labu dan Labi, Anakku Sazali, Ibu Mertuaku, Enam Jehanam, the Bujang Lapok series and the Do Re Mi trilogy.

 

The Best Dressed media friends at the event

As more media friends arrived, I was delighted to observe that some were dressed in outfits that were inspired by classic film legends, P Ramlee and Saloma, and I eagerly anticipated a Best Dressed contest to award those who made the effort to dress according to the buffet theme.

 

With years of culinary experience and a passion for authentic flavours, Executive Chef Abdul Wafi, a native of Penang, added his personal touch to curating the menu for the Juadah Lagenda Seniman buffet.

 

His connection to P Ramlee ran deeper than just inspiration and the magic of movies as he grew up surrounded by stories of the movie legend’s love for good food.

 

Carving a whole roasted lamb

“This buffet is my way of sharing that inspiration with our guests,” said Chef Wafi who worked with his culinary team, made up of Chef Jehan Azimi, Chef Izuanudin and Ched Muhammad Aidil, to curate the Ramadan buffet menus.

 

Determined to discover the various food stations, I headed to the buffet to see chefs in action, preparing freshly-made items, and saw a mouthwatering array of appetizers, main course items in the hot buffet with sections for fresh fruits and dainty desserts.

 

While I joined media friends to browse around the buffet, I was greeted by a gentle voice which I recognized as that of Emelyn Rosales, General Manager of Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre.

 

Steamed rice specialties to savour with peanut
sauce, serunding or the rich gravies

As we exchanged pleasantries, Emelyn shared that the hotel wanted to create a dining experience that brought people together over great food and cherished memories.

 

She said that Juadah Lagenda Seniman pays tribute to Malaysia’s cinematic heritage by celebrating the flavours and dishes that were iconic during this golden era of movies.

 

“While others honour these legendary films on screen, we do so through the joy of dining, by offering guests a unique way to connect with the timeless influence of this remarkable period,” she said.

 

Traditional salads to whet your appetite

For instance, the main course Ya Ali Baba Corner invites diners to experience the spirit of Ali Baba Bujang Lapok.

 

Start by pairing Nasi Arab with Ayam Kuzi, a Kelantanese specialty featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich and velvety sauce, reflecting a timeless tale.

 

Next, savour the bold flavours of Daging Rendang Mamak, where tender beef is slow-cooked in a luscious coconut gravy infused with aromatic Southeast Asian herbs and spices.

 

For mutton lovers, the Kambing Rendang offers a truly unforgettable experience with its succulent meat steeped in layers of spicy, coconut-infused richness.

 

A choice of meat and condiments to
savour with warm Sup Berempah

In the hot buffet, rich gravies like Siput Buluh Masak Cili Thai (shellfish), Ikan Pedas Ibu Mertuaku (fish), Daging Masak Palembang (beef) and Ayam Kuzi (chicken) are best savoured with steamed white rice but may be enjoyed, paired with portions of lemang, rolls of glutinous rice steamed in coconut milk, ketupat palas, steamed triangle rice cakes and burasak, Bugis-style glutinous rice steamed in coconut milk.

 

In anticipation of Hari Raya, these steamed rice specialties will be served throughout Ramadan for diners to savour with Kuah Kacang, Serunding Daging and Serunding Kelapa.

Warm and comforting Bubur Lambuk

Diners are welcome to help themselves to ready-made or do-it-yourself salads with the fresh ingredients from the Classic Ulam Station, or visit the Noodle dan Laksa Station, the Roti Canai Station and particularly, the BBQ Station for choices of grilled meat and fish.

 

The taste of nostalgia continued with warm and comforting Bubur Lambuk and Sup Berempah, a rich brew of soup for diners to top with a choice of meat and condiments.

 

In the dessert section, I observed that charming covered platters of traditional tudung saji were used to serve a range of popular Malay kueh.

 

A range of popular Malay kueh served in
traditional tudung saji, covered platters

I liked that the range of desserts were served in small portions so that diners may indulge in a range of cakes, tarts, puddings and pastries while the kids and young-at-heart may have fun enjoying sweet treats from the Chocolate Fountain.

 

The shaved ice section remains popular with diners who liked to create their own icy treats topped with a selection of colourful jellies, fresh and dried fruits.

 

Selamat Berbuka!

 

The Juadah Seniman Lagenda, Ramadan Buffet will be served at Dine@Eight Restaurant from 6.30pm to 10pm, from 5 March to 29 March 2025.

 

Take advantage of the Early Bird Promotion at only RM158+ for adults with a Buy 10 Free 1 promotion, available exclusively from now until 3 March 2025.

 

Dine in nostalgic ambience
as you enjoy the magic of movies

Normal prices sit at RM188+ for adult (Buy 10 Free 1), RM168+ for senior citizens (60 years and above) and RM98+ for children (aged 6-12). Kids aged five years old and below will eat for Free.

 

Get rewarded with 20% off IHG One Rewards Dining Privileges with a limitation of 8 persons for every receipt. Explore the Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at holidayinn.com/johorbahru for a complete experience of staycation, Sahur Buffet, and Juadah Lagenda Seniman.

 

For reservation or more information, please call 07 207 8888, email to fnb@holidayinnjbcc.com, or walk into Dine@Eight Restaurant located on Level Eight, the lobby level of Holiday Inn Johor Baru City Centre, in Johor Baru City Centre Mall, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, 80000 Johor Baru, Johor.

 

For more information, visit the Holiday Inn Johor Bahru City Centre official Facebook and Instagram pages for holidayinnjbcc or website: holidayinn.com/johorbahru